THE plight of the elderly during the winter months has prompted a Bolton MP to back a charity campaign.

Age UK’s annual Spread the Warmth drive aims to reduce the number of winter deaths among the elderly.

The charity claims 27,000 people die prematurely each winter in England and Wales, the vast majority older people, because of respiratory problems, strokes and heart attacks brought on by cold temperatures.

Bolton West MP Julie Hilling said: “I am pleased to give my backing to Age UK and to support them in highlighting awareness of such an important campaign.

“I recently attended the annual meeting for Bolton’s Age UK and it was great to hear first-hand the good work that they do across our community.

“It is important that people keep warm this winter and source support with heating bills.”

Ms Hilling also advised constituents to contact energy suppliers to ask them about their prices.

She said: “I have been to E On’s Smart Centre in Horwich recently and they told me about their tariff for vulnerable customers.

“Please do contact your energy supplier as they should be able to advise the best tariff for you.”

Elderly people and their families can call Age UK free for advice on 0800 169 65 65.